Note: Before you start working with the LCD screen, install the RetroPie image in the SD card.

For the past two decades, vintage game enthusiasts have dreamed of creating a "universal game console" that can play games from dozens of different systems, that is cheap, easy to handle with controls, and able to connect to the TV. To create our ultimate console, we'll run the software simulator and video game ROM on the Raspberry Pi 3, a low-cost single-board computer designed for enthusiasts and educational uses.

To simplify this process, these game experts merge all the system software emulation programs we need into a free package called RetroPie. RetroPie includes (among other things) a Linux operating system, a large suite of game system simulators, and an easy-to-use interface.

After writing the image to RetroPie, a “Write Successful” message will pop up on the screen.

How to Assemble the Hardware

Turn the system on by plugging it in (Pi does not have an on/off switch, so just plug it in), ideally using a 2.5-amp power adapter, and connect the HDMI cable to the Pi and the TV or monitor.

In addition, insert a USB keyboard. If you are using a wired internet connection other than Wi-Fi, plug the Ethernet cable into the Pi.

Put the SD card into your Raspberry Pi and connect your peripherals:

Plug the LCD into the Raspberry Pi GPIO and boot up the Raspberry Pi.

Configuring the Gamepad

Soon after booting, you will see the Emulation Station UI and a white/gray screen that says:

"Welcome. No gamepad detected. Press and hold the button on the device to configure. Press F4 anytime to exit."

What to do next depends on whether you have a wired or wireless game controller.

If you use a wired USB handle, press and hold the button on the controller until the Emulation Station detects it. Then it will ask you a bunch of questions that will let you assign each button to a particular control (e.g., up, down, A, B, X, etc.). Make sure you do this step carefully, otherwise you have to unplug the power and start over.

Your RetroPie is now on!

Configuring the Software

Connecting the Pi to the InternetYou need to connect your Pi to the internet to add game ROM (more on this later) and to access additional RetroPie features like game rating/description crawl.

Note: This step is required only if you want to access these additional functions or transfer the ROM over the network. If you have a Pi Zero and do not want to add Wi-Fi, you can also transfer ROM over USB. If you are using Pi Zero W with Wi-Fi, you are ready to connect to the internet!